This paper describes the journey of river rehabilitation on the Genoa River over 30 years and lessons learned in protecting the river and Mallacoota Inlet from the impacts of extensive erosion and sedimentation.
Interventions commenced in the 1970’s, but with poor understanding of river processes, works were small in scale, with little overall planning or coordination. A more holistic approach commenced in the 1990’s, with works locally effective, but the sand problem remained. Investigations by Dr Wayne Erskine, and a subsequent ‘Expert Panel’ process, identified the main sources of sediment and geomorphic processes driving waterway condition. Works to control erosion upstream were initiated, inter-state cooperation commenced, and revegetation and the reintroduction of large wood to the river channel was undertaken. LiDAR and hydraulic modelling have been used to better understand contemporary processes helping to inform new management approaches.
The Genoa River has experienced significant flood and fire impacts over this period. This provides insights into the challenges of building resilience in waterways, a challenge that will only increase into the future under a changing climate.
Addressing the ‘sand problem' on the Genoa River represents a relatively unique example of successful reach scale rehabilitation over an extended period. It includes the integration of community interest, scientific investigation, and management interventions based on clear objectives for the restoration of a waterway.
The recovery of the Genoa River is now clearly apparent, and it can provide a template for rehabilitation of similarly degraded sand bed streams in Southern Eastern Australia.